UPSC Quiz – 2025 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 29th January 2026

Solution (c)

Explanation:

• The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic clock adopted by atomic scientists to show how close human beings are considered to be to a global catastrophe. Midnight represents total annihilation, while movements away from or toward midnight reflect changes in existential risk. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• Doomsday Clock was established in 1947 by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists (BAS), which was founded two years earlier. During that time, the clock was set at seven minutes to midnight. The time is adjusted annually by the Bulletin website in consultation with its Board of Sponsors. Hence, statements 2 and 3 are correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

• Euratom stands for European Atomic Energy Community. It is an international organization established under the Treaty of Rome in 1957. It aims to form a common market for the development of the peaceful uses of atomic energy.  A major incentive for the creation of Euratom was the desire to facilitate the establishment of a nuclear-energy industry on a European rather than a national scale. Euratom’s control was not extended to nuclear materials intended for military use. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct.

• Euratom regulates the European civil nuclear industry, which produces almost 30% of energy in the EU. Euratom’s work safeguards nuclear materials and technology, facilitates investment, research, and development, and ensures equal access to nuclear supplies, as well as the correct disposal of nuclear waste. Hence, statement 3 is correct.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is situated in the state of Chhattisgarh. Originally a wildlife sanctuary (1975), it was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2009. It forms the core area of the Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2012. It provides a vital migratory link between Kanha Tiger Reserve and Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, ensuring genetic diversity. Hence, option a is the correct answer.

Solution (a)

Explanation:

• The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding both of the Earth’s poles. The polar vortex contains some of the coldest air on Earth. The polar vortex extends from the tropopause (the dividing line between the stratosphere and troposphere) through the stratosphere and into the mesosphere (above 50 km). Hence, statement 1 is correct.

• The strength of the polar vortex varies with the season, but it is strongest during the winter season in each hemisphere, when the temperature contrast between the pole and the Equator is greatest. It may weaken or disappear entirely during the warmer months of the year. Hence, statement 2 is not correct.

Solution (d)

Explanation:

PANCHAM stands for Panchayat Assistance and Messaging Chatbot. It is a digital tool developed in collaboration with UNICEF. It is a flagship digital initiative aimed at empowering Panchayat Elected Representatives and Functionaries. It is designed as a digital companion for Panchayats, providing timely and contextual guidance, simplified workflows, and easy access to information to support day-to-day governance and service delivery functions. Hence, option d is the correct answer.